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The Rise of Rome: The Making of the World's Greatest Empire Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Anthony Everitt (Author), Clive Chafer (Narrator), Tantor Audio (Publisher)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 596 ratings
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Emerging as a market town from a cluster of hill villages in the eighth and seventh centuries B.C., Rome grew to become the ancient world's preeminent power. Everitt fashions the story of Rome's rise to glory into an erudite book filled with lasting lessons for our time. He chronicles the clash between patricians and plebeians that defined the politics of the Republic. He shows how Rome's shrewd strategy of offering citizenship to her defeated subjects was instrumental in expanding the reach of her burgeoning empire. And he outlines the corrosion of constitutional norms that accompanied Rome's imperial expansion, as old habits of political compromise gave way, leading to violence and civil war. In the end, unimaginable wealth and power corrupted the traditional virtues of the Republic, and Rome was left triumphant everywhere except within its own borders.

Everitt paints indelible portraits of the great Romans - and non-Romans - who left their mark on the world out of which the mighty empire grew: Cincinnatus, Rome's George Washington, the very model of the patrician warrior/aristocrat; the brilliant general Scipio Africanus, who turned back a challenge from the Carthaginian legend Hannibal; and Alexander the Great, the invincible Macedonian conqueror who became a role model for generations of would-be Roman rulers. Here also are the intellectual and philosophical leaders whose observations on the art of government and "the good life" have inspired every Western power from antiquity to the present: Cato the Elder, the famously incorruptible statesman who spoke out against the decadence of his times, and Cicero, the consummate orator whose championing of republican institutions put him on a collision course with Julius Caesar and whose writings on justice and liberty continue to inform our political discourse today.

Rome's decline and fall have long fascinated historians, but the story of how the empire was won is every bit as compelling. With The Rise of Rome, one of our most revered chroniclers of the ancient world tells that tale in a way that will galvanize, inform, and enlighten modern listeners.

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  1. Listening Length
    14 hours and 18 minutes
  2. Author
    Anthony Everitt
  3. Narrator
    Clive Chafer
  4. Audible release date
    September 17, 2012
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Tantor Audio
  7. ASIN
    B009C18EJM
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 14 hours and 18 minutes
Author Anthony Everitt
Narrator Clive Chafer
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date September 17, 2012
Publisher Tantor Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B009C18EJM
Best Sellers Rank #138,652 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#161 in Ancient & Classical Roman History
#741 in Political Ideologies & Doctrines (Audible Books & Originals)
#1,101 in Ancient Roman History (Books)

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
596 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book provides a comprehensive overview of the subject matter with scholarly writing and an easy-to-understand narrative. They describe it as an interesting read with simple prose and a unique perspective. Readers appreciate the well-organized chapters and pacing, though some find the opening chapters clumsy.

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Information qualityReadabilityWriting styleStorytellingPacing
62 customers mention "Information quality"55 positive7 negative

Customers find the book's information quality good. They say it provides a brilliant overview of one of the greatest Republics. The book is detailed and a good introduction to Roman history for non-specialists. The author writes history in an interesting manner and they like how the book is organized.

"...A great chronological survey of ancient Rome from its mythical roots in the aftermath of the Trojan War to the collapse of the Republic during the..." Read more

"...That being said, Anthony Everitt as an uncanny knack for intertwining historical lore with storytelling that leaves you pouring over the pages..." Read more

"This is a great book to get your feet wet on roman history. It doesnt get to bogged down on anyone event for too long...." Read more

"...As with the best summaries, Everitt's book will motivate readers to dig deeper into Roman history. Recommended." Read more

54 customers mention "Readability"46 positive8 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They say it provides a fresh perspective on the rise of the Roman Empire and is a must-read for anyone interested in learning about Caesar and his civil war. The writing style is described as similar to a novel and serves as a great setup for reading about Caesar.

"...This makes in possible to read on any day, even after a long day of studies or work...." Read more

"...A great chronological survey of ancient Rome from its mythical roots in the aftermath of the Trojan War to the collapse of the Republic during the..." Read more

"...of the roman republic this is great, and absolutely perfect setup for reading about Caeser and his civil war." Read more

"...Yet, Rome was an enormously successful state...." Read more

39 customers mention "Writing style"33 positive6 negative

Customers find the book's writing style easy to read and well-organized. They appreciate the simple prose and narrative style that makes the story engaging. The author's enthusiasm is also praised as positive.

"The only book about the republic that I have found readable...." Read more

"...As a graduate level history student, I found it both informative and readable...." Read more

"..."The Rise of Rome" is well organized and clearly written...." Read more

"...An easy to read manual for understanding Rome's inevitable transition to Empire. I highly recommend!" Read more

19 customers mention "Storytelling"19 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's storytelling. They find it an excellent history of the rise of the Roman Empire with superb narrative flow and a unique perspective. The prose is engaging and vivid, exploring ancient culture through detailed stories of individuals and incidents. Readers appreciate the author's enthusiasm and the way the book explores great events and personalities that shaped Rome.

"...And then he simply goes on narrating in a brilliant way. This makes in possible to read on any day, even after a long day of studies or work...." Read more

"...Many of the great events and personalities that shaped Rome took place during this era...." Read more

"...the length of time it took, the vast reach, the permeation of Roman culture into other cultures, the effort involved to get there and even how long..." Read more

"...It is both a fun and easy read, and a fount of knowledge about a fascinating society, the various governments by which it was ruled, the factors..." Read more

12 customers mention "Pacing"5 positive7 negative

Customers have different views on the pacing of the book. Some find it organized and clear, with well-defined chapters. Others feel the opening chapters are clumsy and disjointed, with no real pace to the narrative. The book provides an overview of early Rome but is somewhat quirky and odd.

"...Opening chapters are a bit clumsy, but as they are a summary of the period that is more legend than actual history, that is perhaps understandable...." Read more

"...He divides the book into different parts, with the first parts being somewhat mythical while the lasts parts are historic...." Read more

"...It's an interesting subject matter but it was just hard to follow it. Maybe this is a book that didn't make the transition to audio book very well...." Read more

"..."The Rise of Rome" is well organized and clearly written...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • William
    5.0 out of 5 stars Highly readable, informing and entertaining
    Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    The only book about the republic that I have found readable. When one goes so far back in history the sources are few and books tend to become very scholarly and boring with endless discussions about what really happened. He divides the book into different parts, with the first parts being somewhat mythical while the lasts parts are historic. And then he simply goes on narrating in a brilliant way. This makes in possible to read on any day, even after a long day of studies or work. Just hope Everitt will write some more books soon, since I have almostbread all of his books by now.
    13 people found this helpful
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  • Andrew
    4.0 out of 5 stars Kindle Edition
    Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I will leave it to others to review the material in-depth. As a graduate level history student, I found it both informative and readable. A great chronological survey of ancient Rome from its mythical roots in the aftermath of the Trojan War to the collapse of the Republic during the civil war between Caesar and Pompey (with mention of Augustus).

    The Kindle edition contains a few errors, but nothing that really detracts from a smooth reading experience. It also includes a table of contents, and extensive endnotes (covering approximately 35-40% of the text).

    Everitt is a great author, though not a professional historian. His expertise is in the visual arts, I believe, but he knows his subject very well along with the associated scholarship. His works on Cicero, Augustus, and Hadrian also come highly recommended for the general reader or history student.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Travis Bughi
    5.0 out of 5 stars I am biased as I'm in love with Ancient Rome
    Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Disclaimer: I am biased as I'm in love with Ancient Rome.

    That being said, Anthony Everitt as an uncanny knack for intertwining historical lore with storytelling that leaves you pouring over the pages wondering what will happen next and what the consequences will be. His foreshadowing is great, his tie-ins are on point, and he's never off topic. Not to mention his sources, it's outstanding the amount of research this guy puts into his work. Well done!

    Enough about the writer, though, what about the book?

    The Rise of Rome follows the known history ancient Rome (noting when it's factual and when it is disputed) from the supposed roots of the Fall of Troy all the way up to when the Republic was replaced by the its first emperor, Augustus. Along the way, Anthony draws a careful line detailing not only how Rome could rise to the great power it did, but also noting which points and at what times the civilization sets dangerous precedents and will eventually lead to its demise.

    I've said it before and I'll say it again, I feel as though the USA is some modern day reincarnation of Ancient Rome. From the mix of honor and devotion to country along with wicked dealings and terrible contemptible treatment of supposed allies, the USA will cease to be a power if or when the government ceases to coexist with itself. Ancient Rome tumbled because the politicians became Generals and they could no longer tolerate their political enemies.

    In the USA today, Democrats and Republicans rip each other down in words only, and so long as it stays that way and after every election the losers go home to follow along, we will not follow in Rome's footsteps.

    And oh yeah, side note, I can not WAIT to visit Rome next month!
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Concise, not entirely thorough but well written.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This is a great book to get your feet wet on roman history. It doesnt get to bogged down on anyone event for too long. If you are looking for a detailed history this isnt it. but if you want to get a better understanding of the timeline of the roman republic this is great, and absolutely perfect setup for reading about Caeser and his civil war.
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  • Marco Antonio Abarca
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Single Source for the Rise and Fall of the Republic
    Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    The Rise of the Roman Republic from its founding in 753 BC to the death of Julius Caesar in 44BC covers a lot of history. Many of the great events and personalities that shaped Rome took place during this era. It is a difficult task to condense so much history into one readable volume. Fortunately, Anthony Everitt was up to this task. "The Rise of Rome" is well organized and clearly written. As with the best summaries, Everitt's book will motivate readers to dig deeper into Roman history. Recommended.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • A. B. Sun
    3.0 out of 5 stars It is not an easy listen because it reads like a history book
    Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I'm taking The Rise of Rome slower than most audio books. It is not an easy listen because it reads like a history book, which I have always loved history. It is doubtful to me that one would find a more in depth book which obviously has been very well researched. The narrator leaves something to be desired. If you want to learn about this subject, this is a good book.
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Carolina casique
    5.0 out of 5 stars libro
    Reviewed in Mexico on June 18, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    me gustò y la facilidad de poder obtenerlo a travès de ustedes
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  • tracey
    5.0 out of 5 stars Really interesting.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 2, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Bought for a change to my usual read. Like how it's written. Informative, interesting, definitely worth a read.
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  • Dali
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in Canada on October 17, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    If you are at all interested in ancient Roman history and culture this is a must have book. The author has meticulously researched this book and has written it as a page turner mystery and adventure novel. It details the history of the Roman civilization from it's early history to it's end. The book not only has many interesting facts and outlines the major players but it also gives an historical account as to the path taken by Rome in becoming the ruler of the ancient world. If you enjoy a well written historical novel, do not hesitate in buying this book.
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  • Jong Kim
    4.0 out of 5 stars but it is an excellent book to understand the beginning of Rome
    Reviewed in Canada on September 29, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I am still reading it, but it is an excellent book to understand the beginning of Rome.
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  • Holt Sidney Joseph
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 16, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    A marvellous read
    I've read a lot of ancient history, especially Rome and the Mediterranean, but this book was a revelation. Grippingly written. I followed it up by buying the superb 'Rubicon'.
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